Ed to put in a marathon effort to help injured rugby players

It is a pole apart from disliking the idea of running to deciding to take part in the 2013 Virgin London Marathon and something only a madman may contemplate.

"I hated it, I couldn’t think of anything worse. If I ran carrying a rugby ball or kicking it, great," were the views of Ed Gough when he considered his previous stance to running.

But that has all changed and it is not as if the 26-year-old former Shelford player is a madman – he will pound the 26 miles round the roads of London in aid of the RFU Injured Players Foundation.

Gough suffers from Purtscher retinopathy, which affects his vision, as a result of complications after breaking his leg playing for Shelford against Westcombe Park in December 2011.

And it was the charity’s support which made him decide he wanted to do something to help them.

"I don’t want to sound clichéd but a new year and a new positive attitude to the injury," said the St Faith’s Independent Prep School tutor.

"I went to Twickenham for an autumn international (after being invited by the charity) and there were five (other players) plus a guest.

"It was incredible – the others all had neck injuries. The way they saw their injury is a matter of life. I wrote to the charity and asked if there were any physical challenges I could do as I was inspired by those guys.

"They said other things like cycling challenges all over the country, but the marathon one hit home a bit as my mum does it and it’s her 10th this year.

"And I think the big thing was mum doing her 10th and mum and dad being my rocks, it would be great to start with her."

The RFU Injured Players Foundation means a lot to Gough, and he said: "It keeps me involved in rugby and a part of it. They look after the bits that people don’t really think about.

"It’s been a huge part of my life. I’m not going to play again so I still want to be part of it."

But although he may not be playing any more, he has been passing on his kicking expertise – coaching at school and helping guide last week’s impressive Shelford debutant Rory Hutchinson.

"I have been kicking coaching with him for about four months as he asked me in the summer," said Gough. "Twice a week before Christmas I was doing kicking coaching with Rory and Lewis Cracknell.

"It’s a very unique skill to have.

"It’s that nice, unique understanding as they get it and you can share their pride.

"At school, I do a lot of close-knit skills coaching. Kicking is great as I can see the posts and we talk about the specifics of it all. It’s just nice being part of rugby."